LIVE: Secretary Marco Rubio MEETS Panamanian Foreign Minister at Department of State

Описание: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha at the Department of State on January 12, 2026.

This meeting follows a period of heightened diplomatic activity between the two nations, particularly concerning security, migration, and the influence of external powers in the region.

Key Discussion Points
Security and Regional Stability: The primary focus of the meeting was the continued strategic partnership between the U.S. and Panama. Both officials emphasized their shared commitment to fighting organized crime and narcotrafficking, which Martínez-Acha described as a global threat affecting multiple continents.

Migration Management: Secretary Rubio praised Panama's cooperation in curbing illegal migration through the Darien Gap. The two discussed the ongoing success of joint repatriation programs that have significantly reduced the number of illegal crossings over the past year.

The Panama Canal: While the Panama Canal has been a point of tension in previous discussions—with the U.S. expressing concerns over Chinese influence—Martínez-Acha clarified ahead of this meeting that the Canal was not officially on the agenda for this specific visit. He reiterated that the Canal remains under efficient and neutral Panamanian administration.

Regional Diplomacy: The leaders discussed the regional agenda, including the "judicious transition of power" in Venezuela following recent geopolitical shifts in that country.

Strategic Context
This visit marks a continuation of the "neighborhood-first" policy championed by the current U.S. administration. Since taking office in 2025, Secretary Rubio has prioritized strengthening ties with key Latin American partners like Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic to ensure regional security and counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the Western Hemisphere.

Watch as Marco Rubio meets with the Panamanian Foreign Minister at the Department of State, discussing key issues and strengthening diplomatic ties between the United States and Panama. This significant meeting highlights the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in today's global landscape. Get an inside look at the discussions and agreements made during this high-level meeting, and learn more about the impact of this diplomatic effort on regional and global affairs. Stay informed about the latest developments in international relations and foreign policy with this exclusive footage.

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Defense Now | January 2026
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Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha at the Department of State

Film Credits: U.S. Department of State